IND vs NZ: "Things Could Stay The Same For The Third ODI As Well": Wasim Jaffer On Team India's Starting XI

Wasim Jaffer, a former Indian batsman, has expressed his opinion that Sanju Samson won’t play in the third One-Day International against New Zealand either.

The second ODI, which was washed out after only 12.5 overs, was decided to be benched by Team India in favour of all-rounder Deepak Hooda.

IPL 2023 | India tour of Bangladesh 2022 | Dream11 Prediction | Fantasy Cricket Tips | Cricket Match Prediction Today | Cricket News | Cricket Live Score

The five-bowler strategy did not work out as planned for the Men in Blue as New Zealand easily chased down 307 in the first ODI, leading them to consider a change.

In addition to Samson’s withdrawal for the second ODI, Team India substituted Deepak Chahar for Shardul Thakur. The game was called off early in the first innings after India was put into bat, therefore it was impossible to see how the two alterations affected things.

In the ODI setup, Sanju Samson’s primary position has been in the lower-middle order. Despite playing outside of his position, he has performed admirably in the few opportunities he has had.

Samson had a 284-run total over nine innings in 2022 with a 71 average and a 105.58 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He made his comeback to the ODI lineup in July 2022 while on the West Indies trip after making his debut the previous year.

“We’d all like to see Sanju Samson play”: Wasim Jaffer

Wasim Jaffer claimed on ESPN Cricinfo that given the team composition, Samson is quite likely to be benched once more.

“We’d all like to see Sanju Samson play. He was omitted from the second ODI in order to make room for a sixth bowling option. If you’re looking for a batting alternative, Samson is the way to go.”

“But Hooda can give you five-six overs, should a bowler have an off-day. So, it is possible that things stay the same for the third ODI as well,” Wasim Jaffer remarked.

Shikhar Dhawan and company are behind 1-0 going into the final match. In ODI matches, the Men in Blue have lost their last five games to the Blackcaps.

Also Read: IND vs NZ: “Samson Deserves An Opportunity” – Simon Doull Shares His Take On Rishabh Pant vs Sanju Samson Debate